He said “watch out for the ants,” as we walked down the dirt path towards the river. Halted by confusion I looked down and saw a distinct moving line of greens and yellows cutting through our path. I stared in amazement as the leaf cutter ants moved in sync with one another, forming a line […]

Our last few days in Costa Rica were spent at a wonderful place. It was not a resort next to the beach; it was nowhere near civilization. As a matter of fact, we did not even have electricity for most of our time there. However, of our entire stay in Costa Rica, Jose’s farm, a […]

To those who have visited,Costa Rica embodies the idea of a simple lifestyle and easy living, or as the locals say, Pura Vida. But for me, the true spirit of Costa Rica was not found at its sandy beaches, but up high in its mountains and cloud forests. Away from the crowds, removed from […]

I enter online contests all the time. I never expect to win but my way of thinking is if I don’t enter, I definitely won’t win! At some point during the spring or summer of 2012, I entered a contest to win a week long stay at a yoga retreat in Montezuma, Costa Rica. In […]

Surfing Lessons in Costa Rica A few years back, I vowed to learn to surf before turning 50. Then in a blink of an eye, there was only 6 months left to make good on my promise. ‘One day’ phrases start to sound sad instead of inspired if not acted on. At almost 50, ‘one day […]

Costa Rica is known for its exotic surroundings, distinct culture and adventurous activities. When my plane landed in San Jose, Costa Rica that day, I knew that the trip was going to be a memorable experience. As I left the plane and walked through the busy halls I couldn’t help but admire the designs […]

The Raconteur in Costa Rica Sometimes what seems trivial at first, can often free your soul, and invite bliss into your life. It can be something as simple as a rush of breeze, a setting sun, or in my case, the look in her eyes. They possessed the familiarity of an old acquaintance. The wrinkles […]

I stood on the black sand beach, surfboard tucked under my arm, watching the local surfers slash and attack the curling beach break. Most of the surfers were kids, who charged the waves with a fearlessness I never had. Each ride lasted only a few seconds before the pounding waves swallowed the riders, leaving behind […]

I look back through my tear-stained eyes for once last blurred glimpse of my parents. A fumble through ticketing and security lead me to a long, dimly lit passageway of seemingly infinite moving sidewalks. A glowing dome surrounds the chamber and the tiny lights that occupy my field of vision change form and hue in […]

At Thirty-eight years old, I boarded the plane with a friend I had met less than 4 months ago. Years prior to this, the idea of travelling to Central America with someone I hardly knew, without my husband or daughter by my side, would be unheard of. Travel had always been a dream of mine, […]

About Lisa

Lisa Ellen Niver, M.A. Education. is a passionate writer, educator, social media ninja, speaker and global citizen who has traveled to over one hundred countries and six continents. You might find her underwater, traveling to an exotic location, teaching in the classroom or in print about social media, science education, lifelong learning, books, and travel. Read More